1 Lesson 9 Baptism

2 Definition and Mode of Baptism (1) Strong’s Definition – (baptizo) baptizo (baptize) “to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet)” The literal meaning of the term baptize is to immerse or submerge. So, baptism is an immersion or submersion in water.

3 Definition and Mode of Baptism (2) Mode a matter of authority In order to understand what “modes” of baptism are acceptable to God, one has to understand the nature of Biblical authority The New Testament says nothing of sprinkling or pouring for baptism God’s silence is not permissive (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

4 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

5 No Sprinkling in Early Church (Note: error found in this quote) Yes; clinic baptism - baptism of a sick person in bed - began, as early as the third century, to be allowed by some ecclesiastics, e.g., Novatian. They poured water copiously around the dying or very sick man as he lay in bed. This practice arose from exaggerated notions of the importance of baptism. We should say, if the man was too ill to be baptized, it was not his duty; but they were afraid to let a man die without baptism, and as real baptism was impracticable they proposed a substitute which, by copious pouring, would come as near it as possible. There were many disputes as to the lawfulness of this, but it came by degrees to be generally recognized as lawful. As the centuries went on there was gradual progress. The more convenient substitute was preferred in other cases than illness, was further reduced to mere sprinkling, and became increasingly common. It was long with-stood by Popes and Councils, but grew in popularity through the Dark Ages, until, at the Council of Ravenna in 1311 A.D., one thousand years after clinic pouring began, Pope Clement V finally yielded, and authorized sprinkling in all cases. (

6 Example: Acts 2 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Repentance + Baptism 1) Grants entry into the church 2) Results in the Remission of Sins 3) Results in the giving of the “gift of the Holy Spirit”

7 Example: Acts 8 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. 39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. 1) “Went down” – “came up out” 2) Part of preaching “Jesus” is Baptism 3) Rejoicing began after baptism

8 Example: Acts 9,22 (9:1), So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (22:16), Now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

9 Purpose of Baptism (1) (Mark 16:16), “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (1 Peter 3:21), “There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

10 Purpose of Baptism (2) (Acts 2:38), Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

11 Purpose of Baptism (3) (John 3:3-5), Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

12 Purpose of Baptism (4) (Acts 22:16), And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

13 Purpose of Baptism (5) (Galatians 3:27), For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

14 False Teaching on Baptism Baptism not necessary for salvation Infant Baptism (as pledge of parents) Improper “modes” of baptism (sprinkling, pouring) The “one baptism” of Ephesians 4:5, is not water baptism for the remission of sins. (cf. Acts 8)

15 Acts 8:14-16 “ Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”